The City of Cape Town has deployed 40 new Metro Police officers to improve safety along the N2 highway, Airport precinct and Borcherd’s Quarry, as part of its biggest policing investment in more than a decade.

The new officers form part of 700 recruits now being rolled out across the metro, including dedicated neighbourhood policing in every ward.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, joined the officers on the N2 for their official deployment.

The beefed-up presence forms part of Cape Town’s Integrated Freeway Safety Plan, which also covers routes such as the R300, N1, N7, M3 and M5.

In addition to patrols, the plan includes camera networks and automated licence plate recognition technology. Officers are also equipped with dashcams capable of identifying stolen vehicles and other transgressions.

Hill-Lewis said the investment was aimed at supporting SAPS and national government efforts:

“We are here to help make Cape Town safer, including along this key N2 route for commuters and visitors to our city.”

Operations will run 24/7, with the City noting that most incidents occur in the early hours of the morning. Statistics show that 85% of the 2,215 incidents responded to on the N2 and R300 in the past year were linked to vehicle breakdowns, flat tyres or motorists running out of fuel. Officers also recorded eight robberies targeting stranded drivers during this period.

Smith said the numbers underscored the importance of a visible police presence:

“We have stepped up time and again — first with Metro Police patrols, then with a specialised Highway Patrol Unit, and now this additional deployment. It underscores the City’s commitment to public safety.”

 

The Western Cape’s Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, welcomed the deployment, saying provincial traffic authorities will work closely with City officers and SAPS to bring down crime along the province’s major gateways.

The new recruits completed an 18-month programme that included traffic officer training, firearms competency, tactical skills and neighbourhood safety officer training.

The City also urged motorists to take precautions such as keeping vehicles in good condition, checking tyres and fuel before trips, avoiding late-night travel where possible, and saving the Public Emergency Communication Centre number (021 480 7700).